Lawyers

[ladygatsby 0]

I was curious as to how many of ya'll have retained lawyers and how many haven't. For those who have, do you find they've been helpful in this entire process?

Personally, I have been grateful for mine, as he and his wife went through this process and he seems more empathatic than most...and with my schedule (i'm about to graduate from nursing school and am doing my internship from 7pm to 7am all week, along with going to classes and working) I definitley needed it.

This forum has been so wonderful and informative, I was wondering if, for those who have lawyers, would you do it differently after having learned so much from this forum?

[raymaga 25]

I would say that most people have not used lawyers, but that's not to say that you shouldn't. Your life does seem quite hectic right now, so for your own peace of mind and sanity, a lawyer might be the best way for you to go.

We did our own applications with no problems. If you have any unusual circumstances in your case, such as overstays or criminal background problems, a lawyer is probably the way to go. Our case was very straight-forward as are most peoples.

I have heard some people here on VJ say that if they had it all to do over again, they would not use a lawyer. Some lawyers don't know what they are doing, as they are not experts in Immigration Law and have caused more problems than help.

Good luck for a speedy approval.

[Yodrak 7]

raymaga,

Define "used". There is more than 1 way to 'use' an attorney. (I am pleased to see Ladygatsby be more specific with her question.)

Yodrak

I would say that most people have not used lawyers, but that's not to say that you shouldn't. Your life does seem quite hectic right now, so for your own peace of mind and sanity, a lawyer might be the best way for you to go.

We did our own applications with no problems. If you have any unusual circumstances in your case, such as overstays or criminal background problems, a lawyer is probably the way to go. Our case was very straight-forward as are most peoples.

I have heard some people here on VJ say that if they had it all to do over again, they would not use a lawyer. Some lawyers don't know what they are doing, as they are not experts in Immigration Law and have caused more problems than help.

Good luck for a speedy approval.

Ladygatsby,

I consulted with an attorney - several times - but did not retain one.

Yodrak

I was curious as to how many of ya'll have retained lawyers and how many haven't. For those who have, do you find they've been helpful in this entire process?

Personally, I have been grateful for mine, as he and his wife went through this process and he seems more empathatic than most...and with my schedule (i'm about to graduate from nursing school and am doing my internship from 7pm to 7am all week, along with going to classes and working) I definitley needed it.

This forum has been so wonderful and informative, I was wondering if, for those who have lawyers, would you do it differently after having learned so much from this forum?

Edited June 1, 2006 by Yodrak

[jazzy 0]

"using" a lawyer in any way can help to take some of the anxiety out of filling up forms and the whole process, if you feel comfortable doing yourself, then do so. There is a lot of help here on VJ to get you through it. We used a lawyer last year with the K-1 process, but in retrospect i feel i wasted my money, but thats just my feeling. This year we filed the I-130 and I-129f spouse...and i did it myself.

[Ladylethal 12]

We didn´t even consider getting a lawyer.

[MPGGPM 0]

I was curious as to how many of ya'll have retained lawyers and how many haven't. For those who have, do you find they've been helpful in this entire process?

I have hired one, and I have to admit that there have been several instances when I am very grateful to have hired her. She communicates with me well and there is always someone in the law firm's office who can respond to or relay any questions I have had.

I have also found her to be very thorough.

It is still early in the process for my wife and I to be 100% positive of her results. But so far, am I happy with her and the firm.

Would I hire her again, even knowing all the things I have learned about the immigration process this past year?

Yes, definately.

The most important thing to me.......is to get my wife back here. I want to do all that I can, to accomplish that.

[eclowjpd 0]

We have not paid for legal advice, and would not unless we have some sort of problem with the government. We have been able to get this far without hiring a lawyer. On the other hand, I have sought some information from lawyers through forums and social connections.

[gugu24 0]

Because of the problems we faced when we first filed and were denied we hired an immigration lawyer. very expensive. even though she hasnt had to do much other then send the papers in that we already filled in its good to have one on your side to back you up and fight for you should a problem arise. Our situation was a mess so a lawyer was the best way for us to go. Otherwise if you have a simple case then safe to do it alone.

[sarah and hicham 3]

NO lawyer and I found that I had no problems with anything, it didn't take up too much time. I'm glad I didn't hire a lawyer, especially since the funds just aren't there. Anyways I have been just fine without one so far. Knock on wood. knockity knock knock.

[ladygatsby 0]

I have to admit, if I had any other lawyer who wasn't as invested (or who didn't understand the frustration of the process), then I may have regretted it.

Fortunately, our lawyer is very inexpensive compared to the rest of the ones I researched, so it made it all the more worth while.

I was just wondering about everyone, especially in dealing with processes after my fiance arrives here. It seems a bit mind boggling.